South Bay nature walks

Madrona Marsh in Torrance, a 10-acre habitat for local plants and wildlife

Photo courtesy of Image Gatherer

Looking for a way to unwind with the whole family during winter break? Want to walk off the calories from heavy holiday meals? Visit these South Bay spots for some fresh air:

Madrona Marsh Nature Center (3201 Plaza Del Amo in Torrance): A 10-acre preserve that is home to a wide variety of plants and wildlife. Visitors are welcome to stroll through the marsh Tuesdays through Sundays, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. There are also regularly scheduled guided walks for children and other events (click here for more information). There is no admission fee.

Hermosa Valley Greenbelt: A 3.5-mile pedestrian-only trail between Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach that takes you through lush vegetation and flowers.

Ken Malloy Harbor Regional Park (25820 S. Vermont Ave. in Harbor City): This park features a lake, hiking paths and jogging trails, as well as a playground and barbecue areas.

Point Fermin Park (807 Paseo Del Mar in San Pedro): This 37-acre park features colorful gardens, picnic areas, a playground, amphitheater, two jogging trails, and a breathtaking view of the coast toward Catalina Island.

South Coast Botanic Garden (26300 Crenshaw Blvd. in Palos Verdes Peninsula): This 87-acre botanic garden boasts more than 2,500 species of plants from Australia, the Mediterranean, and southern Africa. Admission varies from $3 to $8, depending on the age of the visitor (children under 4 get in free). Open every day except Christmas Day, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last ticket sale at 4:30 p.m.).

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Beverly O'Neal is a busy mom enjoying life in the South Bay. She spends her days tending to her two young sons, writing part-time from home for an HR consulting firm, keeping up with emails, and trying (fruitlessly) to maintain some semblance of neatness in her home. In her "spare time," Beverly enjoys cooking, running, shopping, reading and of course, just relaxing with her husband and kids. You can reach Beverly at beverly_cheng@yahoo.com.